Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Skill India in association with Mahrasthra State Skill Development Mission introduces the “Udne Do” Programme under SANKALP to boost employment opportunities for Prisoners
The programme is initiated in association with the Maharashtra State Skill Development Society , the Bombay Textile Research Association  along with Textile Sector Skill Council  to bring the prisoners back into mainstream post their prison life
Nagpur, 29th March 2022: With an aim to ensure a normal post-prison life and bring the prison inmates back into mainstream, along with connecting them to employment opportunities, the Maharashtra State Skill Development Society , under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, organised a two-day Recognition of Prior Learning  programme in power loom weaving. The skill certification programme was a part of the “Udne Do” initiative under the SANKALP Programme and was inaugurated by Smt. Deepa Agey, Dy. Superintendent, Nagpur Central Prison on 23rd March 2022.
The programme is joint effort of the Maharashtra State Skill Development Society , the Bombay Textile Research Association , and the Textile Sector Skill Council . As a part of the programme, the Bombay Textile Research Association , a well-known association for the textile industry and research, has been tasked with training the inmates.
With an objective to ensure a normal life post their release from the prison, allowing them to earn a living or start their own businesses, the RPL programme witnessed more than 20 prisoners participate in the program, who had prior knowledge of power looms and had chosen it as a post-prison career path. Following the training, the inmates learned about machine operations and fabric defects produced by machines. Understanding the loom's basic operations and how it helps in improving the quality of the weave. Additionally, they've also been trained about digital literacy, safety, and personal hygiene.
Expressing his views on the initiative, Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said, “Under Skill India Mission, it has been our constant endeavor to bring back the marginalized and those who have lost their path back into mainstream including them in the economy as productive participants. Any sort of National Mission is incomplete if it is not inclusive, and this initiative is a great step in the direction of greater inclusion. I am glad that we have great support from the States to identify such segments of population and steer them back into the right direction with the help of Skill Development programs”
“My knowledge of the power loom, as well as the names and functions of the various parts of the power loom, has improved as a result of the training. I am pleased to receive a Skill India Certificate, which is a significant achievement that would further enable me to create a better livelihood for me post my release”, said a beneficiary in a statement post-training.
Mr. Vijay Gawde – an expert trainer in BTRA has stepped forward to lead the two-day orientation session. All of the Maharashtra government's skill development schemes are integrated and implemented through the active coordination of MSSDS.
Influential personalities such as Mr. Sanjay Gulhane, Senior Jailor, Mr.Vikas Rajnalwar, Senior Jailor , Mr.Vijay Gawde, BTRA, Mr.Yogesh Kunte, Co-Ordinator, District Skill and Development Office, Nagpur, Mr.Manish Kudale, Mahatma Gandhi National Research Fellow, Mr.Laxman Salve, Teacher, Nagpur Central Prison, Mr.Sanjeev Hatwade, Teacher,Nagpur Central Prison, Mr.Sharad Salunkhe, Instructor, Textile Section, Nagpur Prison along with Mr. Sunil Dharankar, Supervisor, Handloom Section graced the programme with their presence.
About Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 
MSDE was formed on 9th November 2014, by the Government of India to focus on enhancing employability of skills. Since its inception, MSDE has undertaken significant initiatives and reforms in terms of formalizing the policy, framework and standards; launching of new programmes and schemes; creating new infrastructure and upgrading the existing institutions; partnering with States; engaging with industries and building societal acceptance and aspirations for skills. The Ministry aims to bridge the gap between demand and supply of skilled manpower to build new skills and innovation not only for existing jobs but also for jobs that are to be created. Till date, more than three crore people have been trained under Skill India.
For more info: https://www.msde.gov.in/